Adrienne Czech Gibbons and her husband own their own home, and they’re parents of two young children. So, she knows a little bit about time management.

She also works for a company that has been selling cleaning products like Tarn-X - which is what my grandmother used to clean her silver - since 1949. That makes her an excellent source for those of us struggling to get our homes ready for the holidays.

“Not a problem. I clean a lot at home, because of the kids, and I have a husband who is very type-a,” said Gibbons, during an interview from her home in Chicago, Ill. As the marketing and communications director for Jelmar, the family owned business that makes Tarn-X and other cleaning products -- Gibbons has made it her business to know and test things that she sells. One of the products in development was shelved because -- in her opinion - it was unmarketable. “It was an air deodorizer. I tested it on dirty diapers and it did nothing,” she said, knowing that it would not fly with moms.

Anyway, each year Gibbons is called upon to help families clean their homes and prepare for a holiday gathering. Below are just a few of the tips she offers to them:

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* Winter cleaning. When cleaning her house, Gibbons said it’s a good idea to start at the top and work your way down and around, leaving the kitchen for last since that is the hub of any home. For those with a ranch-style home, work counterclockwise to the center. The same goes with cleaning a room, start at the top, polishing the baseboards or brushing away cobwebs in the corner and work your way down paying attention to details such as baseboards, ceiling fans and wall accessories. When you reach the bathroom, remember to clean and polish the shower heads, faucets and shower doors. If you have a shower curtain, consider washing it or swapping it out for a new one. Since she’s hosting guests for Christmas, Gibbons will set out a stack of freshly laundered linens and a basket of travel-size shampoo, soaps and toothpaste. Chances are they brought their own supplies, but this way if they forgot something they won’t have to ask for it said Gibbons.

* If you’ve already decorated the house for Christmas - consider looking everything over. If you have candles that have burned down, replace them. Fluff up those bows and consider polishing Christmas décor that is likely to add a sparkle to the room, such as silver bells and glass reindeer and candelabras.

* Once the house is ready, create a plan. If you’re entertaining guests for more than a few days, create a grocery list and itinerary for possible meals. Make a list of everyone who might be coming to your house and consider them - before you do your shopping. Does someone have an allergy or a fetish? How about a grandmother who loves dark chocolate? Perhaps she gave you a candy dish when you got married. Consider filling it with her favorites. When it comes to the big event - whether it’s Christmas Eve or Christmas morning - make a separate plan at least a day or two beforehand. This allows you enough time to plan a menu and purchase the food, figure out seating and borrow chairs or a number to call for the caterer.

* What can be made in advance? Look over the menu and find items that can be prepared in advance such as cleaning and cutting the veggies for a platter with dip or casserole. “I leave all of the big stuff for the day of,” Gibbons said. That way you’ve got more time to be with your guests.

* Every dish has its place. Once you decide on what you’ll be eating, figure out what dishes you’ll be using to serve it in and how you want the table to look. Never mind those everyday dishes, this is when you should be pulling out the silver, crystal and heirloom dishes you keep in the buffet. Do you have a tablecloth? How about placemats or gold chargers to dress up your white dishes? Look through a few magazines for ideas on adding special touches such as garland, candles and holiday place cards. Gibbons remembers her grandmother polishing her silver trays and dishes. Nowadays, people do not have a lot of silver but even a few polished pieces, a vase, salt and pepper shakers or a cream and sugar set, will add pizazz to the table.

* Extra seating and entertainment. “Make sure there is seating for everyone,” Gibbons said. That includes throw pillows and blankets on the floor for the kids. If you’ve got any extra folding chairs pull them out. You never know who might show up.

* Be prepared for the unexpected. Wine spilled on a rug is almost as traditional as the holidays, and it can ruin the evening if you’re unprepared. Be sure to have plenty of towels or clean rags available for mopping things up. Also, Gibbons recommends trying Stain Magnet for red wine or any other type of tough stain. It’s amazing she said.

* If you’re going to take the time to host a party be sure to consider entertainment. What are your guests going to do after dinner? “We always pull out the games,” Gibbons said, adding that one of their favorites is Apples to Apples. “It’s great for all ages,” she said.

* Finishing touches. Before your guests arrive, set all of your decorations in motion: light the scented candles and set out grandma’s dark chocolate candy or the snacks. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider doggie bags for your guests. “We always have a stack of Glad bags around, just for this reason,” Gibbons said. You might be surprised how many of your guests would appreciate a takeout serving of your apple pie or turnip casserole.